Scene 1 The royal apartments of Queen Mekhmene Banu are plunged
in mourning - her young sister, Shireen, is dying. The Vizier and the courtiers
are full of anxiety. Mekhmene Banu is in despair. A Stranger, who appears out of
the blue, says he will cure the Princess but, in return, Mekhmene Banu must
sacrifice her beauty. In order to save the life of her sister whom she loves
deeply, Mekhmene Banu accepts the Stranger’s cruel terms. Shireen is brought
back to life.

Scene 2 In the palace garden, the young court painter, Ferkhad, suddenly
comes across Queen Mekhmene Banu and Princess Shireen who are taking a walk,
surrounded by courtiers and the palace guard. The two sisters exchange gazes
with Ferkhad and love for the young painter is born in their hearts. The
procession moves off. Ferkhad is entranced by the beauty of the young Shireen.
In the hope of seeing Ferkhad, Shireen secretly returns to the garden The two
young people are greatly attracted to each other.

Act II

Scene 3 Mekhmene Banu is overcome by passion for Ferkhad. Nothing can
distract her thoughts from the handsome youth. She realizes in despair that now
she has lost her beauty, she will be unable to win his love.

Scene 4 The young Shireen dreams of happiness with
her loved one: the thought that they may soon meet gives her great joy and also
fills her with anxiety. Ferkhad makes his way into Shireen’s chamber and the
lovers elope from the palace. Torn by jealousy, Mekhmene Banu orders that the
lovers be seized. The fugitives are caught. The lovers’ pleas that they be
granted their happiness are in vain. Mekhmene Banu sets Ferkhad an impossible
task: in order to win Shireen, he must first bore a hole through the iron
mountain which blocks the way to a water source. For the sake of his love,
Ferkhad is willing to attempt the impossible. He bids farewell to Shireen.

Act III

Scene 5 The populace are tormented by thirst. As
each day passes there is less and less water. And without water there can be no
life. In order to attain water the mountain has to be destroyed.

Scene 6 Ferkhad, who is in the mountains, dreams that he has gained
access to the water and before him he sees his beloved Shireen.

Scene 7 Mekhmene Banu is tormented by her passion and love for Ferkhad.
She dreams she is beautiful again and that Ferkhad loves her. Shireen breaks
into Mekhmene Banu’s reveries. She implores her sister to recall Ferkhad.

Scene 8 A great hope has brought the populace to the mountains. If
Ferkhad manages to accomplish the impossible, their lives will be saved. Queen
Mekhmene Banu and Shireen appear surrounded by their suite. Overcome by
happiness at their meeting, the lovers throw themselves into each other’s arms.
The Queen is prepared to give Ferkhad the hand of Shireen, but the former feels
that he cannot go back on his duty. Mekhmene Banu and Shireen are full of
respect for the great altruism of Ferkhad who is ready to sacrifice his personal
happiness for the sake of his people.